Sound

English Pronunciation

Vowels: Compare long a, long e, and long i

Listen to the long a sound
Listen to the long e sound
Listen to the long i sound

The long a, long i, and long e sounds are all related to the English y sound. The long a and long i are both two-sound vowels that end in a y sound (a two-sound vowel is a vowel sound that includes a y sound or a w sound in the pronunciation). The long e is a single-sound vowel with a tongue position very similar to that of a y sound.

Compare the long a and long i sounds

long a/long i illustration

The long a and long i are two-sound vowels that both end in a sound similar to a y sound.

To create a long a sound:

the tongue begins pushed forward, at a neutral height

as the jaw closes slightly, the body of the tongue moves upward toward the tooth ridge (similar to the movements used to create a y sound)

To create a long i sound:

the tongue is low (touching the bottom, side teeth)

as the jaw closes slightly, the body of the tongue moves upward toward the tooth ridge (similar again to the movement used to create a y sound)

long a

long i

latewayclaim

lightwhyclimb

Compare the long e to the final part of the long a and long i

long e illustration

The long e is the vowel sound closest to the y sound, and is very similar to the final part of the long a and long i sounds.

To create a long e sound:

the jaw is kept relatively closed

the body of the tongue is close to the tooth ridge

the sides of the tongue touch the top teeth on both sides of the mouth

The space between the tongue and the tooth ridge is more constricted during the pronunciation of the y sound than it is during the long e.